Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Millington TN 38053 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick an Xray Tech Degree Program near Millington Tennessee

Millington TN x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Millington TN in order to become a radiologic technician. And now that you have chosen to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, just how do you tackle picking the right school and program to ensure that you will obtain the appropriate training to become a qualified professional? And considering that most states do require that x-ray techs become licensed, depending on where you ultimately work you may require preparation to pass a licensing exam. So it’s imperative that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can compare each program. A number of prospective students start by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and usually gravitate toward the most affordable cost. But while expense and location need to be considered, there are other critical qualifications also. For example, you need to find out if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internships. These questions and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are provided later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education choices that are available.

X-Ray Technician Job Summary

There are a number of professional designations for x-ray techs (technicians or technologists). They may also be called radiologic technologists, radiologic technicians, radiographers or radiology techs. Regardless of the name, they all have the same principal job description, which is to employ imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists may also administer radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. Many choose to work as generalists, while there are those that have chosen a specialization, such as mammography. They may practice in Millington TN clinics, hospitals, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech may work with include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers have to care for their equipment plus routinely assess its functionality and safety. They are also required to keep detailed records of each of their diagnostic procedures. As Millington TN health practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Technician Degrees

x-ray machine in Millington TN The primary prerequisite for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most common among technicians, normally takes 18 months to two years to finish based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at up to four years to complete and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional related majors that may be appropriate as well. Something to consider is that Millington TN radiographer schools have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their curriculum. It may often be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which a large number of schools sponsor through local hospitals and clinics in their region. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to abide by any licensing or certification mandates in Tennessee or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-Ray Tech Certification and Licensing

When you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be working you might need to become licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their prerequisites vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but many provide other options for testing also. Several states also call for certification as part of the licensing procedure, if not it is voluntary. Having said that, numerous Millington TN employers will only hire radiology techs that have earned certification so it might increase your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their rigorous examination. ARRT also requires re-certification every two years, which can be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Tech Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Millington 38053 As a component of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree colleges. So while you can still obtain your online degree, a substantial amount of the training will be completed either in a college lab or in an externship off-campus. Clinical training is usually performed in regional hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practices in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training may be accessed in the comfort of your Millington TN residence. Students who keep working while earning their degree typically find that the online approach to education is far more practical with their busy schedules. Plus online schools are often more affordable than traditional alternatives. In addition to reduced tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be reduced also. But just confirm that the online program you enroll in is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less structured style of training, then an online school may be the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Programs

Once you have selected the type of degree that you want to obtain, you can begin the process of finding and assessing Millington TN x-ray tech colleges. You will also have to decide if you want to attend classes online or travel to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then obviously the location of the college will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be an important factor as well. But along with cost and location, what more should you consider when comparing colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have assembled a list of questions that you need to ask the schools you are reviewing.

Are the X-Ray Tech Schools Accredited? A large number of xray tech colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. Even so, it’s still imperative to confirm that the program and school are accredited. Among the most highly respected accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Programs obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone an extensive review of their teachers and educational materials. If the program is online it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. All accrediting organizations should be acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also assist in securing financial assistance and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And a number of Millington TN employers will only hire graduates of an accredited program for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Sponsored? Inquire if the Tennessee xray technician colleges you are reviewing have partnerships with area clinics or hospitals for internship programs. Internships are not only an excellent manner to get practical training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional connections in the Millington TN healthcare community and assist with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Millington TN healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.

Where is the Program Located? For a number of students, the school they pick will have to be within driving distance of their Millington TN residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges often charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What Size are the Classes ? Unless you are the type of student that likes to sit way in the rear of the classroom or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Smaller classes enable more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Millington TN colleges you are researching what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classes. If practical you may prefer to monitor one or more classes before making your final determination. This will also give you an opportunity to speak with several of the instructors and students to get their opinions regarding the x-ray technician program as well.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you need to confirm that the x-ray tech college you finally pick can provide the class schedule you need. This is especially important if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule evening or weekend classes in Millington TN, check that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, verify if that is an alternative and how many credit hours or courses you would need to enroll in. Also, learn what the protocol is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's important to consider questions you may be asked. Among the things that interviewers frequently ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to pick radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but also what attributes and talents you have that make you outstanding at what you do. You will likely be asked questions relating specifically to radiography, along with a certain number of standard interview questions, so you should ready some strategies about how you want to answer them. Because there are several variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a multitude of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the work interests you in addition to the abilities you have that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the ideal choice for the position. Don't try to memorize a response, but write down some concepts and talking points that pertain to your own strengths and experiences. Going over sample responses can assist you to formulate your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the interviewer.

Pick the Best X-Ray Tech College near Millington TN

Selecting the ideal x-ray technician college is a critical first step toward beginning a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the workday and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Prospects must also demonstrate a capability to pay close attention to detail and to comply with the safety requirements developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other technicians as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Having interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a productive work environment and deliver the best available care to patients. As has been covered in this post, there are several questions that you need to ask each college you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection. This is just as true whether you participate in an online school or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the right questions you can evaluate and compare each school so you can focus your choices before making your decision. And with the proper education and your commitment to be successful, you can realize your goal to practice as a x-ray tech in Millington TN.

Some Background on Millington Tennessee

Millington, Tennessee

Millington is a city in Shelby County, Tennessee, United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 10,176.[5] Millington is the home of the Memphis International Raceway. It was granted the title "Flag City Tennessee" by the Tennessee State Legislature. The Naval Support Activity Mid-South is located at the former Memphis Naval Air Station, which was changed functions from a training base to an administrative one in 1993. There is also a general aviation airport that features the third longest runway in Tennessee.

Millington is at 35°20′12″N 89°54′8″W / 35.33667°N 89.90222°W / 35.33667; -89.90222 (35.336566, -89.902132).[6]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.6 square miles (40 km2), of which 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2), or 0.13%, is water.

The city is located in the Memphis Metropolitan Area, about 9 miles (14 km) north of Memphis. The metropolitan area has a population of approximately 1.2 million people. Millington is close to the Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Fort Pillow State Park, and the Mississippi River.

The book Millington, The First Hundred Years by Faye Ellis Osteen (compiled of many stories that can not be proven fact or fictions, relies on individual witnesses and stories handed down by local families) and published by the Millington Centennial Committee outlines the history of Millington from its beginnings to the present. In 1878, Mr. and Mrs. George Millington donated a large area of land to a group of settlers for the purpose of starting a town. Mr. Millington requested that the new town be named in his honor. In 1888 the First Baptist Church was founded. It has over 5000 members. Its church is one of the largest buildings in Millington. In 1890, the first industry came to town. Since that time job growth has been sporadic and unfocused. Millington was officially chartered by the State of Tennessee in 1903. In 1917 the US military began its initial presence in Millington. Park Field was established as a pilot training facility. With the conclusion of World War I in 1918, military pilot training ceased. It was not until 1942, with the outbreak of World War II that the military would renew its interest in Millington. In 1928 Millington Telephone was established. This business brought modern communications to Millington and the surrounding region. At the outset of World War II the US Navy established the current airport as a training facility for Navy pilots. Consistently for many decades over 15,000 military personnel were assigned to Millington. The Navy brought prosperity to the community on an ongoing basis. In the 1980s the Base Realignment and Closure Commission began the process of downsizing the Millington Navy facility. Flight training was moved out of Millington. However, all US Navy personnel functions were relocated to the community. At present the military and associated private contracting creates a $335 million annual economic benefit to the region. In 1986 USA Stadium was developed by Mr. W. S. "Babe" Howard. This sporting facility brought recognition to Millington. International baseball was played here. The Stadium continues to be an economic asset for the community. In 1993 the Millington Regional Jetport was opened as a general aviation airport. It currently is the backup airport for Federal Express, or FedEx. [7]